Mysuru: The BJP Government in State may try to scuttle our proposed Mekedatu padayatra (march) on Sunday January 9 citing a spike in Coronavirus cases, alleged Senior Congress Leader and Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Speaking to mediapersons here on Monday January 3 he said, “We are planning to take our fight regarding the Mekedatu project to its logical end, and the party which is always against Congress, is giving baseless statements.”
The Congress Leader said, “There is nothing new about the Mekedatu Project. In fact, Congress had proposed it in 1965 when S. Nijalingappa was at the helm. But due to various reasons, we could not implement the project. To force the Government for its quick implementationt, we are going on a padayatra on January 9. But some of our politician friends are saying it is a ‘political gimmick.’ We are a proactive opposition, he stressed.
“Considering that this government is thick-skinned, and we are forced to awaken it through padayatra. Continuing further, he said, “If the recent elections are any indicators, Congress is successful in pushing the BJP behind. We are confident of coming back to power whenever the Assembly elections are held.”
He added, “Padayatra is certainly not for political gains as alleged by others. We are doing it out of social concern, We don’t need a No
Objection Certificate from anyone as it is a drinking water project. We need to take only the environmental clearance. There is widespread criticism but we are not unduly worried. We are going to involve many senior leaders, matha heads and others to take part in the padayatra. If the project is implemented, it will help 2.5 crore people in the State. Tamil Nadu’s objection carries no meaning.”
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President D. K. Shivakumar, Working President R. Dhruvanarayana, Mysuru City Unit Party President R. Murthy, District President B. J. Vijayakumar, Former MLA M. K. Somashekar and others were present.
